Vico Homesearch: Your Digital Gateway to New Housing
Quick Summary
- WDH now Vico Homes.
- Browse homes online.
- Weekly application cycles.
Welcome to Homesearch, your dedicated online platform for finding and applying for homes to rent in the Wakefield area. Originally known as WDH Homesearch, this service is now part of Vico Homes, having transitioned on April 1, 2025. This digital portal is designed to offer you greater choice and control over your housing options, simplifying the process of securing a new residence. The Homesearch website is where you can view available properties advertised by Vico Homes and other Registered Social Landlords. It provides all the necessary details to help you decide which homes match your needs. By using this platform, you can actively engage in the application process, expressing interest in properties that align with your preferences and eligibility. Whether you are looking for an apartment, a bungalow, or a family house, Homesearch aims to make your property search straightforward and efficient. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from getting started to managing your online account, ensuring a smooth experience with your housing application.
- 📋 Preparing Your Housing Application with Homesearch
- 📍 Accessing Your Homesearch Online Account
- ⭐ Navigating Available Homes and Application Options
- ⚠️ Regaining Access to Your Homesearch Portal
- 🔒 Keeping Your Housing Information Private
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Quick Answers for Homesearch Applicants
Preparing Your Housing Application with Homesearch
- To apply for most homes through the Homesearch digital portal, you must first become a Homesearch member. This process begins by completing a housing application form directly on the Homesearch website.
- When filling out the application, be prepared to provide personal details such as your full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and National Insurance number. It's crucial to answer all questions accurately to ensure your application can be processed efficiently.
- Eligibility for Homesearch membership generally requires you to be aged 17 or over. Exceptions include 16-year-olds who need family-type accommodation or those aged 16 or over who are under the statutory duty of care by Wakefield Council, or if you meet specific criteria outlined in Section 12 of the Homesearch Policy.
- Once your housing application form is processed and approved, you will receive a unique Homesearch Membership Number. This will be sent to you via email or letter and is an essential piece of information needed to register and create your personal online account for the Homesearch service.
- Please note that for certain 'immediately available properties', you might not need to be a Homesearch member to express interest. These specific properties offer a direct path to securing a home without going through the standard membership application process.
Accessing Your Homesearch Online Account
- After successfully receiving your Homesearch Membership Number, your next step is to register your personal online account on the Homesearch website. This is your gateway to managing your housing applications.
- On the Homesearch homepage, locate the section titled 'New to Homesearch?' and click on the 'Register' button to begin the account setup process.
- To create your login details, you'll be prompted to enter your Homesearch Membership Number, your surname, and your date of birth. This information helps authenticate your identity.
- Next, you will need to establish a unique User ID and a secure password for your account. Choose a password that is strong and memorable to protect your housing information.
- Once your account is set up, to access your Homesearch online account, return to the homepage. Under the 'Already registered?' heading, click 'Login to your account'.
- Enter your chosen User ID and password into the respective fields. After carefully inputting your authentication details, click the 'Login' button to enter your personal user dashboard.
Navigating Available Homes and Application Options
- The Homesearch digital portal allows you to easily browse a diverse range of available homes for rent, including apartments, bungalows, houses, and specialized independent living schemes.
- New properties are advertised weekly, with the bidding cycle commencing at 10:15 am every Wednesday morning and concluding at 09:55 am the following Wednesday morning. This consistent schedule ensures you have regular opportunities to find suitable homes.
- As an applicant, you have the flexibility to express interest in up to three homes each week. This feature provides ample choice and increases your chances of finding a home that fits your criteria.
- You can submit your expression of interest conveniently online through the Homesearch website, or if you prefer, by phone call or even in person. This flexibility in the application process caters to different user preferences.
- It's worth noting that additional homes may be added to the open cycles up until 4 pm on Fridays, so checking back later in the week could reveal new opportunities.
- The platform also offers access to the Mutual Exchange service, powered by Homeswapper. This option is particularly beneficial for qualifying Wakefield and District tenants who wish to exchange their current home with another tenant, offering another pathway to finding a new residence.
- Homes are advertised in line with Localised Lettings Strategies, which means properties are allocated based on specific bands, family types, and sizes to ensure fair distribution and effective housing solutions across the district.
Regaining Access to Your Homesearch Portal
⚠️ Forgot Password
Cause: You have forgotten your password and cannot access your Homesearch online account.
Solution: We know being locked out is stressful. The fastest way to regain access is to use the 'Forgotten your password?' link located directly on the Homesearch login page. Follow the prompts to reset your password and re-establish your access to the digital portal.
⚠️ Account Suspended
Cause: Your Homesearch membership has been suspended.
Solution: Membership can be suspended if you refuse two reasonable offers of accommodation within a 12-month period. If this happens, you should contact the Homesearch Team for clarification and to understand potential next steps. Call 0344 9 02 02 02 for assistance.
⚠️ Membership Cancelled
Cause: Your Homesearch membership has been cancelled due to inactivity.
Solution: If you haven't expressed interest in any properties for a continuous period of six months, Homesearch will attempt to contact you. If there is no response within three months following this request, your membership may be cancelled. To reinstate your membership or inquire about its status, it's best to reach out to the Homesearch Team directly.
⚠️ Difficulty with Forms or Finding Homes
Cause: You need assistance with completing housing application forms or navigating the available housing options on the platform.
Solution: Help is readily available. If you require support to fill in forms or need guidance on finding suitable homes, contact your local Hub or the Homesearch Team. They can provide personalized advice and ensure you make the most of the service. Call 0344 9 02 02 02.
Keeping Your Housing Information Private
- 🔒 To maintain the integrity and privacy of your housing information, it is critically important that you never disclose your User ID or password to anyone else. Your authentication details are for your use only.
- 🔒 The Homesearch system, as part of its commitment to fair housing, conducts various checks with official bodies including the Police, Local Authority, employers, banks/building societies, Social Services, and previous landlords. This process helps ensure that all applicants meet eligibility criteria and safeguards the housing allocation process.
- 🔒 Be assured that all housing applications and personal data are handled with the utmost sensitivity and in strict adherence to the Data Protection Act 2018. This commitment ensures your information is processed and stored securely, upholding your privacy rights.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For Homesearch-specific inquiries, assistance with forms, or Housing Benefit questions, please call the Homesearch Team at 0344 9 02 02 02. For general Vico Homes inquiries, the OneCALL contact centre is available 24/7 at 0345 8 507 507.
Quick Answers for Homesearch Applicants
Q: Is there any information for people whose first language is not English?
Yes, if English is not your first language, you can request an appointment where an interpreter can be arranged to assist you.
Q: Why are homes advertised for different Bands and Family types?
Homes are advertised for specific bands and family types based on Localised Lettings Strategies. This approach ensures homes are distributed fairly according to housing need, considering factors like age, family size, and any disabilities, to create sustainable communities.
Q: Can anyone apply to join the Homesearch Scheme?
Certain groups of people may not be eligible to join the Homesearch Scheme. To become a member, you must generally be 17 or over, or meet specific criteria such as being 16 and needing family accommodation, or being under the care of Wakefield Council. You must complete a housing application form to determine your eligibility.
Q: What kind of checks will be carried out when I apply for a home?
To confirm eligibility, Homesearch may conduct checks with various entities, including the Police, Local Authority, employers, banks/building societies, Social Services, Probation Service, Benefits Service, Support Agencies, doctors, and current/previous landlords. All information you provide will also be verified.
Q: Will the size of a home affect my Housing Benefit?
Yes, if you are of working age and claim Housing Benefit, the amount you receive may be reduced if your home is deemed to have more bedrooms than you need. This is due to government rules regarding Housing Benefit.
Q: What if I am homeless or in urgent housing need?
If you are homeless or require urgent rehousing, either Homesearch or the Wakefield Council Homeless Persons Unit will assess your circumstances to determine if you can be awarded urgent priority for accommodation.
Q: What if I need help to fill in a form or find out about available homes?
If you need assistance with completing application forms or understanding the available homes, you can contact your local Hub or the Homesearch Team. They are available to provide advice and support with the scheme.
Q: Do I need to be a member of Homesearch to express an interest in a home?
For most properties, yes, you need to be a Homesearch member. However, for 'immediately available properties,' you do not need to be a member to express interest.
Q: How do I become a member of Homesearch?
To become a Homesearch member, you must complete and submit a housing application form through the Homesearch website. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will then receive a Homesearch Membership Number.
Q: How do I set up my Homesearch online account?
After receiving your Homesearch Membership Number, navigate to the Homesearch website. Click 'Register' under the 'New to Homesearch' section, then use your membership number, surname, and date of birth to create your unique User ID and password.
Wrap Up
The Vico Homesearch portal, previously known as WDH Homesearch, stands as a vital resource for individuals seeking rental accommodation in the Wakefield district. By offering a streamlined digital application process, clear weekly bidding cycles, and comprehensive support, it empowers users to actively participate in finding their next home. Understanding the application, login, and support functions ensures a positive experience on this essential housing platform. Should any questions arise, the dedicated Homesearch Team is readily available to provide expert assistance, guiding you through every step of your housing journey.